Hermes at SIHH 2018 – The Beautifully Twisted Arceau Chrono Titane

Posted by WatchAnish onFebruary 24, 2018 at 6:22 am

Hermes horology department has started this year with a bang (quite literally). A timepiece, called Arceau Chrono Titane, a very major addition to the already iconic ‘Arceau’ collection. That is, due to its contemporary design, casing material, unusually large (for Hermes) size and the functionality you would be getting for quite an affordable price.

Design,

Is really what strikes the eye at the very first instant. Henri d’Origny, designer of the very first Hermes Arceau pieces back in 1978, had created a sophisticated sports watch. Incorporating both, comfort and original design in a classy round casing, he was able to cement the this collection’s legacy. In 2018, however, innovation is just as important as sticking to traditions. So why not do both?

Arceau Chrono Titane, while housed in the same round shaped poppy case with imperfectly curved lugs, is not made of light bead-blasted titanium. On top of that it’s a 41mm. Not too small for a dress watch, not too big for a sports watch, it is in a dimension of its own, balancing between two worlds. Hermes calls it “Tres Grande Modele”, which stands for ‘very large model’.

The interstellar dial also plays a big part in the design. The texture on it, while not very complex, creates a chaotic look, combined with the twisted numerals and a large bright red chronograph seconds hand. It’s that perfect imperfection, these small details that make it stand out.

Straps

To us, are what makes an Hermes timepieces and HERMES timepiece. The traditional Barenia calfskin is as fine as always, but our preference goes to the more contemporary black embossed calfskin strap that suits Arceau Chrono Titane oh-so well.

Functionality and movement

While Hermes has made quite a few of their own movements, this isn’t the case. Arceau Chrono Titane uses an ETA 2894, an automatic chronograph with a 42 hour power reserve. The back of the watch is sealed, so you wouldn’t get to see the movement. However, Hermes did not leave us with a blank caseback, instead it is beautifully engraved with the brand’s symbolics and a big letter ‘H’ in the middle.

Arceau Chrono Titane will be available starting this month (February 2018) and will be retailing at a very attractive price tag of $5’100.